This season the models at the Dior fashion show exemplified the luxury of the Paris woman and her lips.  Big cosmetic names invariably make much about lips.  They have spoken -  and the bright coral lips and retro berry lips are Parisian women’s favorites.  Daytime and running around time you'll find American and Parisian women and brides love the "Au natural" look -  pale make up and faint pink lips.   For a wedding -  brides are choosing bright colors in the beginning of the fall and winter.  They are craving berried lipsticks and clear reds -the color is a standout - it makes one's teeth and skin more white, luminescent, translucent and natural.  French women wear very little makeup and what they do wear is applied to appear as a very natural unmade up look. Too much makeup, according to French women, makes you seem older and less refined.

From what I have learned women in Paris pay more attention to the exquisiteness of their lips  - and to such a degree that  - well they spend at least 20 minutes every day drawing a perfect lip line. (but did I tell you that it lasts all day)

One French makeup artist has been quoted as saying that Parisian women will use several lipsticks at the same time, and will not leave home until she makes her lips plump and solid.

Pay special attention to red lipsticks - not all reds are equal - for a great evening out and of course for a wedding, nothing draws more attention to a beautiful face than equisite skin and an unforgettable mouth. 

In Her Words – Mom’s Recipe for Holiday Eggnog!

Below is my Mother’s eggnog recipe (finally found it) as she wrote it - verbatim. I would look forward to this beverage every Christmas growing up in Arcadia together with my family. Years later as I entertained I would sometimes skip Mom’s handmade ‘nog and purchase Knudsen's own eggnog from the Gelson's cold case and then attempt to recall Mom's version as I poured whatever was plentiful from the cupboards into the Eggnog Pitcher.  Not this year – I plan to have on hand this Christmas Eve a big punchbowl full of Mom’s Recipe for Eggnog.  Here it is….

Beat separately the yolks and whites of six “fresh eggs”. Add ½ cup of sugar to yolks while beating and ¼ cup of sugar to whites after they have been beaten very stiff. Mix egg yolks with egg whites.

Stir in one pint of rich cream and one pint of really good Irish whiskey (Jameson) and 1 oz. of yummy Jamaican rum (Appleton Rum Estate VX Jamaican)  Stir thoroughly. Chill. Serve very cold with grated nutmeg on each cup.

This recipe makes five pints of eggnog or 2/ ½ quarts.  And of course don't forget the hand whipped cream on top.

Here are other found recipes Mom brought with her from Canada...

Mincemeat Pie

Canadian Shortbread Cookies

Plum Pudding and Hard Sauce &

Dad's Tom and Jerry Brew

More later….  Joanna

Mood Board Autumn Wedding 2011 - Orange = Festivity

Apple Chair Swag – Fdcraft.com

Edible Cocktails - Thedropbar.com

Front Door Greeting “The French Kiss Cocktail” with Orange twists

Garden White Canopies – Lator-ets.fr.

Green Plaid Linens & Custom Napkins – Fdcraft.com

Hair Simple and upsweep, elegant & timeless – Shopbando.com

Multichic’s Arcadia Rocks’ Glass

Honeymoon Scooter Reform School Rules’ Amish Made Scooter .

Snappy Slipper Orange Ilkat Chair – Urban Outfitters

Succulents & Fruits - Cacti, Citrus cymbidium, Elephant Leaves – Ojai Garden

The Cuff: By Kendra Scott

Vin and Fromage Bar - Pine Table – Frontgate

L’Orange - the color of Festivity!  - Here we've created a loose mood board for my Bride and Groom centered around the sexy color orange for inspiration.  The first element the couple wants to complete is an initial mood board  - Voila Ici! -  as an overview of the reception - and one of three mood boards to define the occasion.  The beautiful redheaded Bride and handsome Groom both architects want to be married at home or at least celebrate very close to home with the inclusion of family and friends.   Favorite foods are citrus - apples, oranges, and cheese and lots of Chardonnay.

Deferring most of the design and concept to the Bride and Groom ours was to interpret their "eye".  They want to add architectural design elements to their reception as a reflection of them as a couple and their profession (architects).  Taking their inspiration from great architectural designers they admire, and reflecting on their architectural principles they have begun designing their day.  They're resurrecting, reflecting and combining memories with their  hopes  creating their  “Dream Reception”.  Here are some of the elements:

Several ethnic bold-patterned slipper chairs for relaxation -  intimate and homey - unexpected  and later to be moved into the couple’s home as wing chairs in the dining and living room.

A French 6’ pine table will serve double duty as a “Vin and Fromage” tasting table” complete with a “Greeting Cocktail” -  ”The French Kiss” with Orange Twists; and French Aperitifs, mixers and garnishes, French cheeses and small baguettes.

Same pine table will double as a “The Scotch Bar” and offerings of candied pecans, dried fruit, figs, pineapple and hand make crackers.

Canopies and tents are to be ordered – and several custom made by a local sailmaker in small, large shapes and vintage shapes – the reception tent will be lined with a punchy small stripe fabric in the colors to match the slipper chairs.  The same fabric is to be used for the “The Ladies’ Vanity Tent”, “The Bride’s Canopy” and a "Children’s Tent".

Stylish and sophisticated, edible cocktails are to be created as well as cootie catcher for menus.

A local caterer will be serving up “in-season courses” and she will use locally grown ingredients as well. (Within 100 miles)

A few vintage and modern chandeliers in the space are being considered.

Lastly – in addition to wedding rings and earings, simple architectural gold cuffs for the Bride's wrist and arm have been acquired.

More Later....

Here's to Bonne Planning

Joanna

Signature Wedding Cocktail - Le Passioniste

I can't remember the occasion but I do remember there was a party, a beautiful home and a seductive drink called "Le Passioniste".  I remember the party home's terrace hung over a rocky beach and the mood was one of sensory overload - the view, the food, the company and the "drink" made the evening a memorable event.  For years I've dreamt of the "party cocktail" and just recently suggested it as a Signature Cocktail to one of my couples.  I thought it would make a great "Memory Making Cocktail" for their Ojai reception this fall.  Here’s the recipe – I hope you love it as much as I do.

Enjoy!

“LE PASSIONISTE”

You’ll need just a flair of ginger liqueur, then add the best rum & and the very best tropical orange and guava juice you can find.  Recommendations - make fresh squeezed orange juice and then combine with guava juice.

Use good Ron Zacapa Centenario rum - it is aged rum that can be found at your specialty liquor stores.

Use Domaine de Canton – for the ginger-flavored liqueur,

• 2 ounces orange-guava juice
• 1 1/2 ounces aged Ron Zacapa Centenario
• 1/2 ounce ginger liqueur Domaine de Canton
• 4 dashes of  orange bitters
• Ice

Ok Now -

For one cocktail combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker then fill with ice. Cover and shake until thoroughly chilled. Strain into rock glass.  Repeat for Cocktail #2.  Then together raise your glasses - look into each others eyes and say – with feeling!  A Votre Sante!

Paris Handmade Bride's Gifts: Suuz Designs – Colorful Beaded Necklaces

Shopping is fun - especially when it's for someone else.  I like wedding gift shopping for my brides and both wedding families; I'm always looking for unique gifts, food items, spirits, wine; you name it I love to hand pick treasures for my friends and clients. Today I am looking for Paris Handmade Bridal Gifts and my first stop of the day is the Etsy site where I discovered Suuz Designs and Susanne our "The Artiste Tous Jour".   After living on a tropical island for 10 years, Susanne now calls Paris her home and loves working with glass and colors.

Nearly 1500 Etsy shoppers can’t be wrong – Susanne is a brilliant artist.  She creates these magnificent beads in her Paris Studio  - then hand makes one of kind beaded necklaces - They are Breathtaking! 

Here's her  “Paris Studio”.  Impressive! 

I can feel the island vibe.

Now, take a look at Susanne's Creations

I'm set  - let's take a few home today...

Here's to Bonne Planning & Bonne Shopping!

Joanna

Historic Wedding Venue: Adamson House in Malibu, California

Facade Adamson House

Front Door Entrance

Great View of Front Entrance

This is the Back Patio

How about this Kitchen

Pool House Mural

The Malibu Tile

Side Patio

View up the Coast

Fountain Area and Wedding Site

If you've dreamt of a Spanish Countryside Wedding consider - This “work of art” beach house  built in 1929, in the Spanish Colonial Revival style.  The house was given to Rhoda and Merritt Adamson as a gift from her mother, May Rindge, the last owner of Malibu. The historic masterpiece beach house “The Adamson House” in Malibu is set on a beautiful ocean front property set high above the Pacific Coast Highway; and is adorned with sycamore lawns, a front courtyard, and a rear lawn by a star shaped fountain.

The brochure describes the view from the House - “From the balcony behold the breathtaking panoramic views of Santa Monica Bay. Listen to the surf as it crashes on the beach and see a bird’s eye view of your reception.”

The property is luxurious, historic and breathtaking and is open to all weddings and receptions outdoors. It is probably the most pristine of the historical properties I’ve seen and a perfect spot for a 200 guest wedding. The property boasts 13 acres of land above Surfrider Beach on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California.

The brochure invites one to “step back in time and experience a house that is 95% preserved, complete with the family’s belongings and furniture, just as it was when Rhoda and Merritt Adamson lived there with their three children during the 30's,40's and 50's.”

As the Adamson House is a National Historical Site and a California Registered Landmark, please consider one important item and that is there are no parties booked inside the home.  With a couples’ reception on the grounds, the Adamson House offers the option of “opening” the house for docent led tours during the cocktail hour. Weddings and special events are scheduled from April through October.

One suggestion, visit the property with your wedding planner. Visit the park, walk the beautiful ocean front property, and take a docent led tour of the house. Seeing this historic breathtaking “beach house” full of Malibu Potteries tile (see notes below), and hearing about the history of the last family to own Malibu is remarkable. 

Suggestions: At your wedding and during the cocktail reception, your guests can tour The Adamson House with an informative docent, while your wedding party is with your photographer.

Here are some more details to consider: The Adamson House is open to weddings from April to October. The cost to have a wedding on the grounds is not your average and one must consider transporting “everything” to the property – Oh! But the view!  The grassy area next to the iconic star fountain is probably where most of the weddings are held and with direct access to the beach.

A Bit about the Decor

The Adamson House is decorated in striking, unusual and valuable Malibu tile and there is a Persian style rug made entirely of Malibu tile. The hand painted ceilings, doors, cabinets, and frescos are the creation of two artists, Ejnar Hansen and Peter Neilsen. One cannot get away from the sight of and the details of hand forged wrought iron and the glow of colored and rondel glass windows.

The lavish use of exquisite ceramic tile, produced by Malibu Potteries (1926-32), is a hallmark of the house. The use of decorative tile has always been characteristic of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Mrs. Rindge decided to utilize the unique red and buff burning clays that existed in the Malibu area, as well as an abundant supply of water from a spring in Sweetwater Canyon, to establish the Malibu Potteries. Beginning in 1926, a profusion of brilliant tiles flowed from this establishment to hundreds of residential and public buildings throughout Southern California.

The Adamson House is at:
23200 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265-4937

Here’s to Bonne Planning!

Joanna

Los Angeles Sample Sale: Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier Sample Sale

What: It’s the mother lode of matrimonial must-haves at today’s as-is sale with sample bridal and ready-to-wear marked down 40-90 percent.

Why: Simple charmeuse sheaths for $350, strapless satin trumpet gowns for $700, and lace and rare new gowns for $1,400 and up.
When: Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: 1201 S. Grand Ave., b/t W. Twelfth St. & Pico Blvd., Downtown.

Inspiration: Canadian Style

WedLuxe Summer/Fall 2010 from Cloud Nine Creative on Vimeo.

I research and review the Canadian wedding market media all the time as well as French and Italian. I feel that the images and content we see and read here in the states start to percolate in Europe many months prior.

After I previewed the dazzling Wedluxe, Canada’s Luxury Wedding video, I jumped out of my chair and headed on over to Barnes and Noble. With luck, I was able to pick up my copy of the new June issue of the glossy Wedluxe, Luxury Magazine. The magazine’s content and visuals are fresh, moving and very different.

Rated by Wedding experts, WedLuxe is "one of ten innovators" in the wedding industry today. Wedluxe produces two entirely unique issues for both Canadian coasts, every six months, and this month the magazine has two exceptional cover designs. The content is totally unique and dedicated to daydreaming.

Dear Brides, if you want a “New & Refresh Approach" in designing your wedding, in addition to our American glossies, look to our European and Canadian counterparts for unique inspiration.

Pick up your copy of Wedluxe, Canada’s Luxury Magazine.

Here's to good planning,

Joanna

Natural Paris - Beauty on the Streets

Yes, I have have been away for awhile. Now, as I ready by posts for next week's journaling please take a look at some real Paris beauties. More events next week.

Here's to Good Planning,

Joanna

Do It Yourself Bride: Vintage Papers + Glitter + Chocolate Bars = Irresistible Favors

This is a “very simple" do it yourself wedding favor craft. Gather up all your pastel glitter vials, your vintage wallpaper scraps and purchase some nice size Hershey Bars (enough for each guest ++). Display as individual favors, front and center on you guest’s plate and atop a crisp white linen napkin. Or gather up "en masse" and showcase on your Wedding Reception Dessert Table.

Here is what you will need if you want to make these yourself.

• Chocolate bars (I buy Hershey’s plain no peanuts)
• Vintage wallpapers, scrapbook paper, or wrapping paper
• Glitter
• Double-sided tape
• Glue pen or Elmer's Glue
• Scissors and/or paper-trimmer

To start, cut strips of paper (I prefer vintage wallpaper, heavier) into strips, slightly wider than the "Hershey" logo – and let some of the silver foil show. Secure vintage paper strips with double sided tape. Finally sprinkle glitter (in tones matching papers or silver to match the silver foil) on some of the design elements of the vintage wallpaper.

There you have it - pretty and simple!

P.S. Purchase the miniature Hersheys and decorate for Kid's Birthday Party.

Here's to Bonne Planning

Joanna

Provence Wedding - 2010 Bridal Trends Continue in the South of France

As I mentioned in one of my earlier posts the bridal fashion statement this year is vintage and intimate.  This photo captures this trend.  Snapped in Provence this exquisite bride wears great grandmother's laced wedding gown in muted shades of whites, off white and pink.  I can only imagine the wedding was small and cozy and deep in the French countryside.  However, keep in mind that it isn't always less expensive to be married in the country or at home; it is however much cozier and far more intimate.

Here's to Bonne Planning

Joanna

Bonne Mood Board: Turning Winter to Spring

The pastel pink color palette with pale green and cream reminds me of winter turning to spring. Simple and elegantly perfect for the bride that wants a very low key affair.  This wedding is set at home in the country with perfectly manicured green lawns with flowering peonies shrubs and blossoming trees providing a magical background.  Classic spring fare of roasted lamb and rosemary and handmade vanilla macaroons as take away favors.  For blossomy floral arrangement I’d choose pink and cream roses combined with lily of the valley, and would continue the blossom theme with the bridal accessories, cake and invitations.

Wedding Day Accoutrement - Bridal Beauty: Paperself Eyelashes

I have an extraordinary find for the bride. Do you want to make a bridal statement lovely bride?  Something a little different has come my way.  Consider adding these to your bespoke Wedding ensemble; extraordinary wedding eyelashes inspired by the traditional craft of Chinese paper cutting. 

The Paperself Eyelashes are available in (5) five different styles; each pattern represents a traditional Chinese symbol. The Horse symbolizes success; Peonies - happiness and Peach Blossoms - love. Which ever one you choose to wear, these fabulous lashes are guaranteed to turn heads. 

For the bride who wants to make a statement the super sexy large lashes are available to purchase.  For a wedding day walk down the aisle, the more subtle “petites”.  Brides in the United States and outside Britain you can mail order from this British Shop, the only stockers of the Paperself Eyelashes.

Please let me know how they work out!

Here's to Good Planning!

 Joanna

Bonne Inspiration: A Thoroughly Thoughtful Mood Board

I really enjoyed reading today’s post from Sarah at True Events. I really like her creative process and the collaborative effort she shared with her bride Erin in the creation of Erin's Wedding Mood Board. Also, I like the fact that Erin started a journal/blog but most importantly that she understood that besides being a memory keeper the blog was also a marketing tool for her wedding event. Erin understood the need for a designer/planner. After reading Erin’s blog, I came away knowing Erin was overwhelmed and wanted help to harness her mind full of ideas. When planning a wedding whether small and intimate or large and encompassing several venues, get and hire a good planner. There's just too much wedding minutiæ for a lay person to handle. 

Sarah read Erin’s blog, and heard “Simple Elegance, Romantic, Rustic, Vintage, and Whimsical". Then the designer implemented her good design process along with the brides written inspiration - (French Provincial meets Paris Chic, vineyard but not too wine focused, fall but not overkill of oranges and yellow, soft & warm lighting, browns, dark blues, dark purples, flowers but not too flowery, candles, lanterns, and the list goes on...). The designer/planner whittled the bride’s musings down to:

“Rustic Chic Inspiration” and the creation of:

A "Thought Filled" Mood Board.

Here's to Bonne Planning

Joanna

Via Source